PRINCE PHILIP has been taken to hospital today, days before Christmas, to treat a "pre-existing condition", Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

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Prince Philip has been taken to hospital today, just days before Christmas to treat a "pre-existing condition" according to Buckingham Palace. The Palace confirmed the news as the Queen travelled to Sandringham for Christmas with the Royal Family.

Prince Philip has remained in Sandringham since his retirement, and he lives in the estate’s Wood Farm Cottage.

According to the Daily Mail, the Duke enjoys his time there reading, painting, and having friends to stay.

A friend of the Prince told the publication: “He is enjoying reading things he’s always wanted to read and gets up to what he wants without an equerry telling him he has to be elsewhere, or a camera following him.”

A royal insider revealed the Duke’s residence keeps him far enough away from the royal business to relax, but he is still in proximity to the family.